Core box vibrator



April 7, 1959 v R. J; scHAEDLER 2,880,974

` Co'RE- Box VIBMTOR` Filed may 9, 1955 4 sheets-sheet y.1

lNvE TOR ,6h/Maw .52W/15pm?? April 7, 1959 R. J. scHAEDLER 2,880,974

CORE Box vIBRAToR Filed may 9, 1955*' v 4 sheets-sheet 2 INVENTOR @mm/va I SZf//Aff g BY i R. J. SCHAEDLERl f 2,880,974

lApril 7, 1959 v CORE: B0Xy VIBRATOR 4 sheets-shea :s

Filed .Hay Q 1955 Aprll 7, 1959 R.'J. SCHAEDLERV CORE Box VIBRAFTOR 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed May 9, 1955 wm., 5v Y J En. S0

` BY' M WTTORNEY United States Patent O CORE BOX VIBRATOR Raymond J. Schaedler, Utica, N.Y., assignor to Chicago Pneumatic Tool Company, New York, N.Y., a corporation of New Jersey Application May 9, 1955, Serial No. 506,980

7 Claims. (Cl. 259-1) This invention relates to vibrators, and more particularly to an improvement in a vibrator for use in loosening a core box from a mold, as isrequired in a certain phase of casting operations in foundry work.

In drawing a core box from a mold, especially of complicated or large design, it is desirable to apply rapping or vibratory blows to the core box so that the mold sand is freed from the core box, thus providing a well formed mold. Various methods have been used for such operations ranging from manual means, such as rapping the core box or the supporting bench with a mallet, to the use of some mechanical means, as pneumatic hammers, or vibrators. This invention relates to an improvement on the latter type device namely vibrators.

Briey, the invention comprises a combination of a pneumatically operated vibrator unit, an integrally arranged pneumatically operated clamping means, and a valve arrangement which allows pneumatic medium to be initially directed to the clamping means for operation thereof, followed by direction of pneumatic medium to the vibrator unit, while the clamping means is still under pneumatic pressure. The invention provides a convenient and rapid means for applying a vibratory action to a core box, since all that is required is that the clamping means be brought into gripping relation with the core box, and the valve operated to provide pneumatic medium for clamping vibratoryv action. The independent operation of the clamping means also makes it possible to raise the core box by attaching a cable of a hoisting means to a handle or bail of the vibrator unit.

The main object of this invention is to provide a pneumatically operated vibrator which can be used for loosening a core box from a mold in foundry casting operations,

and which can be rapidly and conveniently attached to a core box.

A further object is to provide a vibrator which has an integral pneumatically-operated clamping unit which can be operated prior to, and during vibrating action.

Another object is to provide a pneumatically operated vibrator which has an integrally arranged clamping unit which can be maintained in position upon a core box for removal of the latter from a mold, after the core box has been freed from the mold.

These and further objects and features of the invention will be apparent from an understanding of the following disclosure, when considered with the accompanying drawings wherein:

Fig. l is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the invention, and showing the relationship oi various operative parts;

Fig. 2 is a side view of the device of the invention, with parts of the clamping unit shown in longitudinal section;

Fig. 3 is a partially broken side view as seen from line l 3-3 in Fig. 2, and illustrating certain parts of the vibrator and valve arrangement in section;

Fig. 4 is a section view as seen from line 4-4 in Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is a section view as seen generally from line 5-5 inFig. 3; Y

y ice Fig. 6 is a section view similar to Fig. 5, but showing a control valve in slightly dierent position of rotation;

Figs. 4a, 5a and 6a are schematic views showing the control valve in diierent positions of operation indicating non-operative condition, clamp-operating condition and clamp-and-vibrator-operating condition respectively;

Fig. 7 is a cross-section of the vibrator unit taken on line 7-7 of Fig. 3, and

Fig. 8 is a cross-section of the vibrator unit, and particularly the air motor thereof, taken on line 8-8 of Fig. 3. l

Referring now to Fig. l, numeral 11 indicates a vibrator assembly embodying the principles of the invention, which vibrator assembly includes in combination a vibrator unit 12, an integrally aflixed clamping means 13, and a valve arrangement 14 adapted for operative control of the vibrator unit 12 and the clamping means 13, in a manner which will be explained hereinafter.

The vibrator unit 12 includes an elongated shell 69 supported in a bracket portion 16 of a casting 17. The shell houses an off-balanced rotor 71, and a pneumatically powered motor 72 having a suitable driving connection with the rotor. When the motor is operating, a consequent rapid rotation of the oil-balanced rotor imparts a vibratory action to the casting 17.

Ott-balanced rotors are well-known. Here, the offbalanced rotor 71 is illustrated as a cylindrical mass 73 cut away in its central area 74. The motor 72 is of the pneumatically powered slidable blade type. The structure and mode of operation of`such motors are wellknown. Brieily, however, the motor 72 includes an outer casing 75, an end section of which is shown at 76 supported by the shell 69. Arranged within the casing is an inner member 77 which provides an eccentric chamber 78 to which pneumatic pressure fluid is supplied through a port 79. The latter has communication vwith an intake passage 81 connected to external piping 64. Mounted for rotation in chamber 78 is a slidable blade type rotor 82 which is driven by pressure air entering through port 79. The spent pressure air escapes through exhaust ports 83, 84 to the space 85 between the casing and the shell from where it ows to end passages 86, communicating with a vent 87 to atmosphere.

Casting 17 includes a cylinder section 18, a jaw section 19, and a handle or grip 21, all as best seen in Fig. 3. Slidably' arrangedwithin the cylinder section 18, is a piston 22 which is aixed to a hollow piston rod 23, slidably arranged in a cylinder head 24 enclosing the open end of the cylinder section. A rod 26, one end of which is seated in the cylinder section, projects into the'piston rod 23, and is surrounded by a spring 27 compressively arrangedwithin the piston rod. A clamping head 28 having a jaw section 29 is attached to the piston rod'23 upon the end extending beyond the cylinder head 24. lt will be seen that when pressurized pneumatic medium is admitted to the cylinder section 18 near the cylinder head 24, the piston 22 will be moved in the direction of the vibrator unit 12, causing movement of the piston rod 23 and attached clamping head 28, so that the jaw section 29 approaches the jaw section 19, whereby a portion of a core box 31, is firmly gripped. When the pneumatic medium is released from the cylinder section 18, the spring 27 is free to expand, and cause movement of the piston rod 23 and attached clamping head 28, in yan outwardly direction,lv so that the jaw section 29 moves away from the jaw section 19, whereby gripping action is terminated.

The valve arrangement 14 is attached to the bracket portion 16, by any suitable means, such as bolts 32, the valve arrangement having a valve body 30, including a threaded opening 33 for receipt of pipe, or hose 34, which delivers pressurized pneumatic medium to the assembly.

zeeman-:

3.. The opening 33 leads to Ia vertically, disposed elongated chamber 36, Fig. 3', the lower end of which is closed by a threaded plug 37, the upper end of which has a pressfitted valve bushings, in whichis 'guidingly supported a valve .stem 39, of. y'apuppet valve .41.: YA spring 42,.com-

pressively arranged between the A head ofjvalve 41.andfthe plug37, isl adapted to .urge the valve into seated .engagement with a. rubber.ring. 43 -placed'at theend of the bushing l38; v

v The valve bushing38 has a plurality of radial: holes 44, which are located in alignment witha circular recess 46, formedin the valve. body `30. Extending upwardly from the vrecess 46, is a passageway 417, which eventually terminates in a threaded opening 48 (Fig. 5) on the side ofthe .valve body v30,v arrangedfor the 'receipt of a .pipe or hose 49.k Tlie hose 4`9`conneetsv at'the.. other end, with a port 1in..th'e forward part of the cylindensection 18, as shown'diagrammatically in Fig ..2. e.

R`otatab1y positioned.. within `tlnevalvebody 30, `is aY control valve 52,4 havingahandle y53, for the.rotation thereof. An end plate 54 is aixed .to the-side of the valve bodybyany suitablemeans, such, as bolts 56, ,to maintain the controllvalve 52 .in position. The valve handle v53 has an extension 57 (Fig. 2) which-is arranged to engage stop lugs 58 formed onthe end plate54, whereby-the angle of rotation .of the controlvalve 52 is limited to 90?'. A passageway 59.v (Fig.. 6) is formed inthe .control valve, and is'eso arranged as to connectvpassageway47 withl a passageway, 60, formed. in-.thevalvebody 30. Passageway.f60fte`rminates inv athreadedopening 61, ,arranged for the receipt offa p ip'e orfhose 62 (shown diagrammatically in Fig. 3), which is connected. at the other end with a pressure regulator 63 and pipe coupling 64 aixed to the endof the vibrator unit 12.

Control valve 52 has three operative positions; 0&- position as indicatedin Figs.. 4 and 14a, clamp-on .position?? as .indicated in Figs. 5 and 15a, and clamp-vibrator on; position as'indicated vin Figs. 6.and 6a; The control valve 52v has a at portion 65 arranged on. its surface, whichallows suflcient clearance, for the endof .thevalve stemf39 so that the Valve 41 is seated on thefring 43, whenthecontrol valveis in olf-position. As the control valve is rotated, the valve stem 39 is engaged by the curved surface of the control valve, fand is forced downwardly, whereby the valve 41 is unseated, or moved away from the ring 43. A spring loaded ball 66 (Fig.` 3) in the valve body 30, is arranged to engage any one ofthree detents formed on the end of the control valve, whereby the latter is held in. any one of. its three operative;positions. A11 opening, 67 is arranged inithevalveibody, for connection with control valvepassageway 59, when the controllvalve isin.off.position,. for purpose of lventing to atmosphere the pneumaticniedium in.V the; clamping meansv 13,y and. incidentallyI thevibrator. unit` 12. -Ho.ok means' 68 may. beailxedto `the 4handlea 21, as .shownfor pnrpose. .of/fusing a.` cable-'.hoist for-lifting,thetvibratorl as? sembly and the core' box during core box removal operatin.

"lflieoperationv of the'vibrator assembly 11. of the'. inventionuis asfollows. Theoperator placesthe `vibrator as= sembly next. to.or in gripping relation uponiaA core box, so that thejaws 19 and 29 are onopposite sides of a nb portion31 of the core box. Ifhe valve handle 53 is rotatedfrom the Fig. 4 to the Fig. Sposition, therebyunseating. valve 41 from. the ring 43'. Pneumatic medium, such: as compressed air,.is` thus-ablexto .owfromhose 34 (Fig. 3), through chamber 36, about valve-41 (Fig. 5') andv valve stem; 39, into recess/:46nd passageway4 47,10 liose 49,. andfinally through portv 51y into.. the. cylinder section 18 (Fig. 2), to move the piston 22 so. thatthe jaw` 29.*is. brought into gripping engagement with the core box portion 31. VBy rotating the handle 53 from theFig. 5 tothe-Fig. 6 `positionit will beseenvthatflow of compressed air into the clamping means .13/.is' uninterrupted anda-in addition, 110W- of. compressed 'airs passes.- through control .valve passagewayv'59 into .passageway y6l), opening 61 and through hose 62 (Fig. 3), through pressure regulator 63 and pipe coupling 64, into the vibrator unit 12, to cause the latter to operate and produce vibratory action. Such vibratory action is applied as long as the operator desires, or feels is necessary, to free the core box from the mold.

To terminate thesvibratory action; the operator rotates the handle 53 from the Fig. 6 to the Fig. 5 position, whereupon air flowinto'thehose 62 is-stopped, resulting in cessation of the operation of'the vibrator unit 12. The core box may then be removed Vby manual means, or by the use of a hoist cable (not shown) attached to hooks 68, the vibrator unit .11. being still attached to the core box by reason of gripping jaws 19 vand 29. When it is desired to release gripping action of the jaws from the core box rib 31, the operator rotates the handle 53 from tlie;Fig.; 5 to thevF-ig. 4 position. lnafsuch position, the valve.-41,1.undervaction ofspring 42,is again seated upon ring-43,- .thereby cutting .-offoW-of compressed air to the clamping means 13. Insuch. position lofthe control valve 52; theV compressedair in cylinder .sect-ion 18- is released to. atmosphere via port 51,.hose-49, control valve passage- Way. 59, and opening 67, thereby allowing spring27 to movevthe piston 22v and clamping..r head 28 away from gripping position.

Byfthe-.use of;pressure'regulator 63,l it ispossible to provide Aany yintensity-of ,vibratory action within the range ofthe-vibratory, unit 12, aswillbev-understood. It will also allow the cutting off .of all compressed air flow to the vibratory unit, ifdesired, so ithat onlyvfthe `clamping means 13,'v willbe Voperated `,When-thel valve handle 53 is in either Fig. 5 :or Fig. 6 -position,'so that the clamping means may be used asa gripping device.-v

Inrth'ef description of thee-device fof fthe invention above, no mention has; been-made, of certain mechanical details suchxas,'.wasl1ers;. gaskets, etc., .allgofwhich may be necessary tofmakeaanxeificient operatingtool,` however, such detailsare all well knownto those skilled in the art of toolfmanufacture, anda;Ldescriptionthereof is not necessary forA an understanding-ofthe principles of the invention.

While the device of the-invention has .been described as: applied toa pneumatically operatedv tool, the principlesv thereof are-:not limitedto suchtype of power supply, obviously,gthe principle of the invention could be satisfied byvuse'of electrical power; wherein a vibrator unit could be motor driven, andv associated clamping means may utilize a solenoid,l while an electrical switch could: be; arranged for the sequential operation of the clamping-means:andvibratorunitpas set forth heretofore inethesdescription` ofa` device. of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1 .A vibrator assemblyzfcomprisingincombination a vibrator unitfzincluding` a pneumaticmotor; and an oset rotary element driven:bygthe;motor,.azclamping' means atxed'ito-the .vibrator unit. andi including-.a pneumatically operableA piston meanszhaving faz clamping :jaw at; anY endthereof, inlet means' and' associatedrpassageways for-conduction of pneumatic medium tozthe@vibratorunitand the clamping means for operation ethereof, anda control valve adapted for regulation of vlow of `pneumatic medium to the clamping means'. andv the vibrator=unit.wherein the control valve has. threey operativezpositions, an oli-'position in which pneumatic medium is prevented from llowing'to either the-1 clamping meansforthefvibrator unit, a clamp-on. position in.. which. pneumatic medium is" allowed to flow to the clamping means,` and ay clampvibratoron position in which pneumaticmedium is allowed'toro'w to' the clamping means-.and thevibrator unit.

2'. A. vibrator assemblyl according: to; claim l, wherein the clamping. jaw on. theapiston; means is arranged for. movement toward,i oraway from.` a fixed,y jaw section formedupon the clamping means..

3. A- vibratorv assembly according. to-claim 1, wherein a spring means is compressively arranged to :oppose movement of the piston means when the latter is being moved by pneumatic medium.

4. A vibrator assembly according to claim 1, wherein a detent means is adapted to hold the control valve in any one of its three operative positions.

5. In a suspended core box pneumatic vibrator assem bly of the character described for use with a core box supported apart from the assembly, and including a pneumatically operable vibrator unit: a casting member to which the vibrator unit is fixed; a lift cable attached at the top of the casting; and clamping means comprising a jaw element integral with the underside of the casting and a pneumatically operable piston housed in the casting and having at the end thereof a clamping jaw complementing the integral jaw element, the piston being arranged for movement so as to draw the clamping jaw toward the integral jaw to effect a clamping action of both jaws against opposite portions of the core box; pneumatic pressure supply control means aiixed to the casting and common to the vibrator unit and the piston, the control means adapted in one position to supply pneumatic pressure to drive the piston in said movement, and in another position to release the pneumatic pressure from the piston; and spring means for automatically returning the piston from said movement upon release of the pneumatic pressure; and the lift cable serving to suspend the casting in relation to the core box for engagement or disengagement of the clamping means from the latter.

6. A suspendable core box pneumatic vibrator assembly comprising in combination a pneumatic vibrator unit, a core box clamping means arranged at the underside of the assembly, the clamping means including a clamp jaw xed to the vibrator unit and including a pneumatically operable piston having a clamping jaw at an end thereof engageable with the fixed jaw, passage means for conduction of operating pneumatic uid to the vibrator unit and to the piston, a control valve adapted for regulating ow of the pneumatic uid to the piston and to the vibrator unit, a supporting casting common to the vibrator unit, to the passage means, and to the control valve, a handle forming part of the casting whereby the assembly may be manually moved about for gripping association of the clamping means with a core box located apart from the assembly, and a hook carried by the casting whereby the assembly may be suspended from a hoist and the core box lifted by the assembly from its mold subsequent to loosening of the latter in response to the operation of the vibrator unit.

7. A suspendable core box vibrator assembly comprising in combination a cylinder section, pneumatic clamping means including a piston reciprocable in said cylinder section and a pair of opposed jaws at the underside of the cylinder section, one of which jaws is fixed and the other of which is pneumatically movable relative to the cylinder section for effecting a clamped hold upon a core box, a pneumatic vibrator attached to the cylinder section and lixed jaw for loosening a core box that has been clamped between the jaws from its mold by vibrating the clamped core box, a common pneumatic supply control arrangement for effecting pneumatic operation of the vibrator and the clamping means, and means at the upperside of the cylinder section for suspending the cylinder section from a hoist whereby the assembly may be moved for association of the clamping means with a core box and whereby upon loosening of the associated core box from its mold the core box may be hoisted free of the mold.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,148,722 Baly Feb. 28, 1939 2,550,534 Damond Apr. 24, 1951 2,644,194 Fill July 7, 1953 2,685,112 Marillier Aug. 3, 1954 

